Editorial July 6, 1968 Issue

The Theology of Hope

Helen Wood Bauman

According to news media, the interest of many modern theologians is switching from the theory that God is dead—silent—to the theory of hope—that He will speak in the future. The New York Times had this to say: "The doctrine is that of eschatology, which seeks to interpret what will happen at the end of the world when Christ returns to initiate the Kingdom of God."

The early Christians were caught up with the theory that Christ Jesus would return to the earth to save it and their conviction led many people to stop working and wait for the second coming, which they expected any moment. Had not Jesus said, "I will come again, and receive you unto myself"?^{ John 14:3;} And a number of times the Master had predicted the end of the world. But Paul rebuked the idlers, saying: "Even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies." ^{ II Thess. 3:10-12;} He said they should work quietly "and eat their own bread."

After a time the Christians lost interest in waiting for the second coming and bent their efforts toward taking the gospel of the kingdom to all men, remembering the words of Jesus, "This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come." ^{ Matt. 24:14;}

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